INLINE HOCKEY CENTER OFFICIAL RULE BOOK

 

FALL 2005 RULE CHANGES – IN YELLOW

RULE 103 - GOAL CREASE

Provided the attacking player does not interfere with the goaltender of the opposing team, a goal will be allowed if the attacking player is in the goal crease are when the puck crosses the goal line.

 

If the attacking player is pushed into the goal crease by the defending team the goal will be allowed.

 

Any attacking player, while having possession of the puck and attempting to score may enter the goal crease with the puck

 

The referee may warn a player twice when inside the crease to leave, & has the option of blowing the play dead and taking the face-off outside the zone in an effort to clean up the crease area.

RULE 105 - PLAYER BENCHES

Adult Open league Game with un-uniformed adults or coaches on the bench will be asked to leave.  Penalties may and will be assessed if necessary.

 RULE 106 - PENALTY BENCH

Players who receive a ten-minute misconduct are to head to the dressing rooms, and are not allowed to stay anywhere near the players bench, referee & scorekeepers area.  Players who do not follow this rule are subject to more penalties.

RULE 601 - ABUSE OF OFFICIALS AND OTHER MISCONDUCT

Uses obscene gestures or racial / ethnic slurs anywhere in the rink before, during or after the game may result in a 1-3 game suspension. 

RULE 610 - DELAYING THE GAME

 A minor penalty shall be imposed on a goaltender that shoots the puck directly (non-deflected) outside of the playing area, except when a location is not protected by glass or screen.  Low glass areas are not subject to delay of game penalties.  Low Board Glass & the player’s bench area is no penalty.  Angled glass and high glass behind the nets are cause for delay of game.

RULE 619 - HIGH STICKS

The ensuing face-off will take place in the defensive zone unless:

RULE 630 - MERCY RULE

A player receiving any penalty during a Mercy Scrimmage may result in a Game Misconduct.

RULE 636 - ROUGHING

 At the discretion of the Referee, a triple minor may be imposed on any player deemed guilty of unnecessary roughness, but yet not deemed fighting.   This will include an automatic game ejection, up to a 3 game suspension.  Review able by an Inline Hockey Center director.

RULE 645 – SPITTING

 (a) A minor penalty shall be assessed to any player or team official that spits on the playing surface before, during, or after a game.

 

(b) A Match Penalty shall be assessed to any player or team official who deliberately spits on or at anyone.

RULE 646 – THIRD MAN IN

 (a) Any player joining an altercation acting clearly as a peacemaker and causing no advantage for either team and does not become involved in any other infractions will/may be penalized at the referees discretion.  However if the peacemaker does cause an advantage he will be assessed a game ejection penalty. 

 

(b) Any player joining in an altercation not as a peacemaker, shall be assessed a game misconduct penalty.  This is up the referee’s discretion.

 

RULE 647 – SEASON PENALTY MINUTES

(a)              Any player receiving a total of 40 penalty minutes during the course of one season will be suspended for one full game. 

 

(b)              Every increment of 10 penalty minutes thereafter will also result in a one full game suspension.

 

(c)              If a player passes the 75 penalty minute mark in one season, an Inline Hockey Center Director will suspend them for the remainder of the season, and subject to more sanctions.

 

 

SECTION I - THE RINK 

RULE 101 - RINK

 (a) Roller hockey shall be played on a plastic tiled, wooden, or cement floor, which shall be in good condition.

 (b) The rink shall be marked according to the diagram included with these rules, taking into consideration the dimensions indicated herein.

 (c) Dimensions of the rink surface may vary between 60 to 100 feet in width and 140 to 200 feet in length. It is recommended that the corners be uniformly rounded in the arc of a circle with a radius in proportion to the length and width of the playing surface.

 RULE 102 - GOAL POSTS AND NETS

 (a) The goals will consist of NHL style nets. They may be metal or PVC pipe frames, with the pipes a minimum diameter of 2". They must be covered with netting strong enough to withstand any shot. Goals should be 6' wide and 4' tall. The goal posts should be painted red.  Optionally, the upright posts and front cross bar should always be red but all other exterior surfaces can be white. The back inside post, which rests on the floor, should be padded. If possible, the goals should be affixed to the floor with Velcro, or by flexible pegs. These pegs should not exceed 6” in length.

 RULE 103 - GOAL CREASE

 (a) In front of each goal, a Goal Crease area shall be marked by a red or blue line 2 inches wide.

 (b) The goal crease shall be laid out as follows for goals which are 6’ by 4’. A semicircle 6 feet in radius and 2 inches in width and red or blue in color shall be drawn using the center of the goal line as the center spot. In addition, an L-shaped marking of 5” in length (both lines) at each front corner will be painted or taped on the floor. The location of the L-shaped marking is measured by drawing an imaginary 4’ line from the goal line to the edges of the semicircle. At that point the arrow may be drawn. If any other size goals are used, these dimensions should be adjusted proportionally.

 (c) At each end of the rink, a 2-inch red or blue line, referred to as the goal line, shall be marked completely across the width of the rink. This line should be a minimum of 12 feet to a maximum of 15 feet from each end of the rink. The goal line should be painted in such a manner that it extends vertically up the sideboards.

(d) Provided the attacking player does not interfere with the goaltender of the opposing team, a goal will be allowed if the attacking player is in the goal crease are when the puck crosses the goal line.

 

(e) If the attacking player is pushed into the goal crease by the defending team the goal will be allowed.

 

(f) Any attacking player, while having possession of the puck and attempting to score may enter the goal crease with the puck

 

(g) The referee may warn a player twice when inside the crease to leave, & has the option of blowing the play dead and taking the face-off outside the zone in an effort to clean up the crease area.

 RULE 104 - FACE-OFF SPOTS

 (a) One 12” face-off spot shall be at the exact center of the floor. A 15-foot radius circle shall be marked in red or blue around this face off spot.  On both sides of the circle, there may be two lines, red or blue in color, 2 feet long, 2 inches wide and 4 feet apart. The game will be started with a face-off from this spot, as well as the beginning of the second half, after each goal is scored, and before sudden death overtime (if applicable).

 (b) In both end zones along an imaginary line, 20 feet out from each goal line and parallel to it at a point that is measured from the side boards at a length of 25% of the total width of the floor, face-off circles with a radius of 12 inches will be drawn on the floor in red or blue. A 15-foot radius, 2-inch wide circle, should be drawn around this face off spots in red or blue paint or tape. On both sides of the circle, there shall be two lines, red or blue in color, 2 feet long, 2 inches wide and 4 feet apart.

RULE 105 - PLAYER BENCHES

 (a) Each rink should have seats or a bench for the use of each team, to be known as the player benches. Each player bench shall accommodate at least 14 persons and shall be placed immediately alongside the playing surface in the neutral area as near as possible to the center of the rink and convenient to the dressing rooms. All doors that open to the rink surface shall swing away from the playing surface. 

 (b) Only players in uniform, the Manager, Coach and Trainer shall be permitted to occupy the player benches. A total of no more than three (3) non-players may be on the player bench at any time.  Anyone under 18 years of age must wear a full-face shield when on the player’s bench.  Adult Open league Game with un-uniformed adults or coaches on the bench will be asked to leave.  Penalties may and will be assessed if necessary.

 (c) During a game, Coaches, Trainers, and Managers will be confined to the player bench unless a league director or game official allows otherwise. Violation of this rule may result in the assessment of a Bench Minor Penalty.  No Coach, Manager, or Trainer may go onto the playing surface at any time, unless an injury has occurred, and allowed by the referee.

 (d) Teams will maintain the same bench for the entire game.

 (e) Since games are comprised of three periods, each team must start the game defending the goal closest to their player bench. Teams will switch ends at the end of each period, allowing them to defend the goal at the opposite end of the rink as their player bench for the second period. Teams will not switch ends for any overtime period.

 RULE 106 - PENALTY BENCH

 (a) Each rink will have seats or benches to be used for the seating of penalized players, Game Timekeeper and Official Scorer. The penalty bench should be located a substantial distance from the players’ bench. The recommended location for the penalty benches is at the opposite side of the rink from the players’ bench.  All players leaving a penalty area must make contact with the playing surface when their penalty has expired.  Failure to do so can result in a two-minute violation for improper change.

(b) Players who receive a ten-minute misconduct are to head to the dressing rooms, and are not allowed to stay anywhere near the players bench, referee & scorekeepers area.  Players who do not follow this rule are subject to more penalties.

 RULE 107 - REFEREE'S CREASE

 (a) A line in the shape of a semi-circle and with a 10 foot radius, 2 inches wide, shall be marked on the floor in red or blue paint or tape directly in front of the Timekeeper’s seat. This area shall be known as the “Referee’s Crease”.

SECTION II - TEAMS

RULE 201 - COMPOSITION OF TEAM

 (a) A roller hockey team will consist of no more than 15 players.

 (b) Teams must start a game with three skaters fully dressed on the floor if at full strength.

 (c) Tournament play four fully dressed players, and one fully dressed scorekeeper

 RULE 202 - TEAM CAPTAIN

 (a) One Captain shall be appointed by each team, and that player alone shall have the privilege of discussing with the Referee any question relating to interpretation of rules which may arise during the progress of a game. He/she shall wear the letter "C," approximately 3 inches in height and in contrasting color in a conspicuous position on the front of the jersey.

 (b) Alternate Captains (not more than two) shall be accorded the privileges of the Captain. Alternate Captains shall wear the letter "A," approximately 3 inches in height and in a contrasting color in a conspicuous position on the front of the jersey.

 (c) The Referee or official scorer shall be advised prior to the start of each game, the name of the Captain of the team, also the identity of the players who will serve as Alternate Captains when the Captain is off the floor.

 (d) No goalkeeper or playing Coach shall be entitled to exercise the privileges of Captain or Alternate Captain on the floor.

 (e) Only the Captain or Alternate Captain on the floor at the time of the stoppage of play (but not both) shall have the privilege of discussing with the Referee any point relating to the interpretation of rules. Any Captain, Alternate Captain or player who comes off the bench and makes any protest or intervention with the Referee for any purpose may be assessed a misconduct penalty.  A complaint about a penalty is NOT a matter “relating to the interpretation of the rules”, and a minor misconduct penalty shall be imposed against any Captain or other player making such a complaint.

 RULE 203 - UNIFORMED PLAYERS

 (a) At the beginning of each game, the Manager, Coach, or Captain of each team shall list on the official game roster, the players, with goaltender (s) identified who shall be eligible to play in each game of the tournament, or league game. This will help insure accuracy of goals, assists and penalty minutes in Pointstreak as well.

 (b) A list of the names and numbers of all eligible players must be handed to the League Director before the start of the tournament, and changes in the list or addition there to shall be permitted only through the League Director.  All open league teams rosters are frozen after the 4th game of a 12 game season.

 (c) Each team shall be allowed one goaltender on the floor at one time. The goaltender may be removed and another "player" substituted. Such substitute shall not be permitted the privilege of the goaltender.

 (d) Any substitute goaltender entering the game for any reason shall not be permitted a warm-up, and shall wait for a whistle when entering the game.

 RULE 204 - STARTING LINE-UP

 (a) A team must have three dressed and equipped skaters on the floor at the end of the warm-up to start any game. If this requirement cannot be met, then a loss of that team’s time-out, delay of game penalty, or even a forfeit may be declared by the Referee or League Director against the team not able to field three skaters. (Tournament play four fully dressed players, and one fully dressed goaltender)

 RULE 205 - CHANGE OF PLAYERS

 (a) Players may be changed at any time from the player benches, provided that the player or players leaving the floor shall always be within 5 feet of the bench before substitutions may come on the floor.

 (b) A player serving a penalty on the penalty bench, who is to be changed after the penalty has been served, must proceed at once by the way of the floor and be within 5 feet of his/her own player bench before any change can be made.  Failure to do so can result in a two minute Violation for improper change.

 (c) For any violation of this rule, a Bench Minor Penalty shall be imposed.   NOTE 1: If, in the course of making a substitution, the player entering the game deliberately plays the puck or makes any physical contact with an opposing player while the retiring player is actually on the floor, then the infraction of “too many players on the floor” can be called. If, in the course of a substitution, the puck accidentally strikes either player, the play will not be stopped and no penalty will be called.  NOTE 2: When a goaltender leaves his/her goal area for the purpose of a player change, and the substitution is made prematurely, the violation when called will be either a face off at center or a face off in the defensive zone, depending upon where the offending team touches the puck, and no penalty will be called.  NOTE 3: If there are less than two minutes remaining in either regulation time or anytime during overtime, and a penalty is imposed for a deliberate illegal substitution, a penalty shot shall be awarded to the non-offending team.

 (d) During a stoppage of play, especially during running time, player changes must be made immediately after the whistle has stopped play. Any delay by a coach causing the clock to wind down unnecessarily may be penalized with a bench minor for delay of game.

 RULE 206 - INJURED PLAYERS

 (a) When a player, other than a goaltender, is injured or compelled to leave the floor during a game, he/she must leave the floor and play must continue immediately.

 (b) If a goaltender sustains an injury or becomes ill, he/she must be ready to resume play immediately or be replaced by a substitute goaltender, and NO additional time shall be allowed by the Referee for the purpose of enabling the injured or ill goaltender to resume his/her position. No warm-up shall be given to the replacement goaltender.

 (c) The substitute goaltender shall be subject to the regular rules governing goaltenders and shall be entitled to the same privileges. When a substitution for the regular goaltender has been made, such regular goaltender shall not resume his/her position until the first stoppage of play thereafter.

 (d) If an injured player receives a minor penalty, the penalized team shall place a substitute player on the penalty bench before the penalty expires and no other replacement for the penalized player shall be permitted to enter the game except from the penalty bench. For violation of this rule a Bench Minor Penalty shall be imposed. The penalized player who has been replaced on the penalty bench shall not be eligible to play until his/her penalty has expired.

 (e) When a player is injured so that he cannot continue play or go to his/her bench, the play shall not be stopped until the injured player's team has secured possession of the puck. If the player's team is in possession of the puck at the time of injury, play shall be stopped immediately, unless his/her team is in a scoring position. The Referee may stop the clock during such injury.

 (f) A player other than the goaltender whose injury appears serious enough to warrant a stoppage of play may not participate further in the game until the completion of the ensuing face-off.

 (g) If a player is obviously bleeding, play shall be stopped immediately and the injured player shall be ruled off the playing surface. The player will not be permitted to return to play until the bleeding has been stopped and the wound covered. If any blood is present on the uniform of any player, such player must leave the floor and not return until the blood is removed from uniform, or the uniform is changed.

NOTE: In a case where it is obvious that a player has sustained a serious injury the Referee may stop the play immediately regardless of who is in possession of the puck.

 SECTION III- EQUIPMENT

 NOTE: A request for the measurement of equipment shall be limited to one per team at a stoppage of play.

 RULE 301 - STICKS

 (a) Sticks shall be made of wood or other approved material and must not have any projections extending from the stick. Tape may be wrapped around the blade of the stick. However, house rules prohibit the use of any type of tape on the stick blade, use of such tape may be subject to an equipment minor penalty. (No colored tape on the blade of the stick)

 (b) No stick shall exceed 63 inches in length from the heel to the end of the shaft, or more than 12 1/2 inches from the heel to the end of the blade. The curvature of the blade of the stick shall be restricted to a maximum of 1”. The blade of the floor players' stick must be a minimum of 2 inches and may not exceed 3 inches in width at any point.

 (c) The blade of the goaltender's stick may not exceed 3 1/2 inches in width at any point except at the heel where it must not exceed 4 1/2 inches in width.  Nor shall the goaltender's stick exceed 15 1/2 inches in length from the heel to the end of the blade. The widened portion of the goaltender's stick extending up the shaft of the blade shall not extend more than 26 inches from the heel and shall not exceed 5 inches in width.

 (d) A minor penalty shall be assessed any player, including the goaltender, for using a stick which does not conform to the provisions of this rule. Any illegal stick is to be kept by the Referee or League Director until the tournament or game is over. 

 (e) Should a player refuse to surrender his/her stick for measurement, that player shall be assessed a minor plus a misconduct penalty.

 RULE 302 - SKATES

 (a) No projections on skates other than those designed by the manufacturer are permitted.

 (b) All axle openings must contain an axle and a wheel. Example: A four-wheel frame must contain four axles and four wheels. 

 (c) Any player found on the floor breaking any of the above rules may receive a minor penalty and may not return to play until the fault is corrected.  Failure to comply with this rule the player may be subject to game ejection,

 (d) The use of speed skates or any skate so designed that it may cause injury is prohibited.

 (e) The use of quad skates is allowed, but not recommended.

 RULE 303 - GOALTENDER EQUIPMENT

 (a) With the exception of skates and sticks, all equipment worn by the goaltender must be constructed solely for the protection of the head or body, and must not include any garment or contrivance, which would give the goaltender any undue assistance in tending goal.

 (b) The goaltender’s blocker glove shall not exceed 8 inches in width nor 16 inches in length at any point.

 (c) The maximum length of a goaltender’s catching glove shall not exceed 17 inches. The cuff shall not exceed 9 inches in width. Any bar or attachment between the cuff and the thumb shall only extend in a straight line. Any other pocket or pouch added to the glove by a manufacturer or otherwise is not acceptable and makes the glove illegal.

 (d) Abdominal aprons extending down the thighs or the outside of the pants are prohibited.

 (e) The goaltender's pads may not exceed 12 inches in width as measured on the goaltender, and shall not be altered in any way.

 (f) It is mandatory for all goaltenders to wear a HECC or CSA approved helmet designed for hockey goaltenders with helmet strap properly fastened and a HECC or CSA approved full-face mask designed for hockey goaltenders. All goaltenders must wear chest protection. Throat protection is highly recommended.

 (g) Violation of the goaltender equipment rule will result in a minor penalty and removal of the goaltender from the game until the equipment in question is adjusted to meet the correct specifications.

 RULE 304 - PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

 (a) Each participant is personally responsible to wear protective equipment for all games and warm-ups.

Recommended equipment for all players is:  Hip pads, padded long hockey pants, chest protection, and throat protection.   Mandatory equipment for players under 18 years of age is, HECC approved helmet with chin strap properly fastened, HECC approved full face mask fastened properly to the helmet, elbow pads, hockey gloves, hockey shin pads, protective cup or pelvic protector.  Mandatory equipment for players 18 years of age and older is: HECC approved helmet with helmet strap properly fastened, elbow pads, hockey gloves, hockey shin pads, protective cup or pelvic protector.

 (b) All protective equipment except gloves, head gear or goaltender leg pads, must be entirely under the uniform. After one warning by the Referee, a minor penalty shall be imposed on the offending player for violation of this rule.

 (c) All players in the Junior Division, regardless of age, must wear a HECC approved full-face mask.

 (d) Eyeglass wearers should have plastic, not glass lenses in their eye wear.

 (e) A glove from which all or part of the palm has been worn out or cut to permit the use of bare fingers shall be considered illegal equipment, and if any player wears such a glove in play a minor penalty shall be imposed on him/her.

 (f) A minor penalty will be assessed for a violation of protective equipment.

 RULE 305 - DANGEROUS EQUIPMENT

 (a) The use of pads or protectors made of metal or any other material likely to cause injury to a player is prohibited. The wearing of casts or splints made of hard or unyielding materials is prohibited, even if padded.

 (b) All elbow pads, which do not have a soft protective covering, of sponge rubber, or a similar material at least 1/2 inch thick shall be considered dangerous equipment.

 RULE 306 - PUCK

 (a) The puck used for all games will be the puck approved by the Inline Hockey Center League Directors.

 RULE 307 - UNIFORMS

 (a) Teams are permitted to solicit commercial sponsors that may supply competitive uniforms, equipment & off-rink wear. The team uniform may include identification of the sponsor's name or logo, without restriction to size or shape. However, Inline Hockey Center reserves the right to black out any sponsor’s name because of sponsorship conflicts with Inline Hockey Center.

 (b) All players participating in Inline Hockey Center games must be uniformed and have matching jerseys with long sleeves. Hockey pants or sweat pants must be worn. All shin guards MUST be covered.

 (c) All players shall wear identifying numbers not less than 10" on the backs of their jerseys. All numbers assigned must be whole numbers only between 1 and 99 (no fractions, decimals etc.). No two members of the same team will be assigned or permitted to wear the same number. One team Captain and two Alternate Captains shall have a small "C" or "A" on the right shoulder of their jersey.

 (d) It will be the responsibility of the VISITING team to change its jerseys if the colors of the competing team's conflict. The decision in this matter shall be left to the League Director and Referees in charge of the game. The home team is to wear a predominately lighter color jersey.

 (e) Each player’s jersey, including goaltenders, on a particular team must match in color.

 (f) Should a player report for play wearing a uniform bearing illegal inscriptions, the Referee is required to cause the offending inscription to be removed or covered. If refused, the offender shall be barred from the game or contest, or in any matter participating in the event and the matter must be reported to Inline Hockey Center League Directors.

 SECTION IV - PENALTIES

 RULE 401 - PENALTIES

 (a) Penalties shall be divided into the following classes:

1. Minor Penalties

2. Bench Minor Penalties

3. Major Penalties

4. Misconduct Penalties

5. Match Penalties

6. Penalty Shot

 (b) When play is not actually in progress and any player commits an offense, the same penalty shall apply as though play were actually in progress.  However more stiff penalties may be assed for after the whistle infractions.

 (c) The minimum number of players a team may have on the floor due to penalties is 3: (2 skaters and 1 goaltender, or 3 skaters).

 (d) If under stop time rules for any league in which one or no goalies are present at game time, will result in a running clock game until two goalies are present.  At that time it shall revert to stop time once again.

 RULE 402 - MINOR PENALTIES

(a) Depending upon the length of periods and whether playing time is by stopped or running clock, minor penalties may be either 2 or 3 minutes in length. However, whichever time is used, it should be consistent. For purposes of the following rule definitions, 2 minutes shall be used.

 (b) For a Minor Penalty assessed to any player other than a goaltender, such player shall be ruled off the floor for 2 minutes, during which time no substitute shall be permitted. The player may leave the penalty bench upon expiration of his/her penalty or upon the scoring of a goal by the opposing team. If a Minor Penalty is assessed to a goaltender, a player on that team that was on the floor at the time of the infraction must serve the penalty.

 (c) A "Bench Minor" penalty involves the removal from the floor of one player of that team for two minutes. Any player on the team may be designated to serve the penalty by the coach or playing Captain and such player shall take his/her place on the penalty bench promptly and serve the penalty as if it was a minor penalty imposed upon him/her.  NOTE: If running time is being played and a minor or bench minor penalty terminates during a stoppage of play, allowing the team to have an additional player on the floor, the player so penalized shall remain in the penalty bench until the ensuing face-off is conducted.

 (d) If while a team is short-handed by one or more minor or bench minor penalties, the opposing team scores a goal, the first of such penalties shall automatically terminate.  NOTE 1: "Short-handed" means that the team must be below the numerical strength of its opponents on the floor at the time the goal is scored.  The minor or bench minor penalty in which terminates automatically is the first non-coincidental minor penalty assessed. Thus, coincident minor penalties to both teams do NOT cause either side to be "short-handed”. Although each team is playing short, they are at equal strength.  NOTE 2: This rule shall also apply when a goal is scored on a penalty shot, or when a goal is awarded.

 (e) When a player receives a major penalty and a minor penalty at the same time, the major penalty shall be served first by the penalized player except if the major penalties are coincident, in which case the minor penalty shall be served first.

 (f) When either team is short handed by two players and coincidental penalties are imposed upon players of each team, the penalized players shall take their places in the penalty bench and such players shall not leave the penalty bench until the first stoppage of play following the expiration of their respective penalties. Immediate substitution shall be made for players so penalized.

 (g) A team may not be deprived of a man advantage situation in a game due to coincidental minor penalties already being served. If such a scenario arises, the players serving coincidental minors with the most time remaining will be substituted for, and such players shall not leave the penalty box until the first whistle after their penalties expire.  NOTE: This included the scenario where a player on one team receives a double minor penalty, and two players on the opposing team are assessed minor penalties at the same stoppage with less time remaining in the game than is needed to serve the penalty(ies) in full.

(h) A player receiving a double minor for incidental high-sticking, and a minor for tripping, would not be ejected from the game, as the double minor for high-sticking would only count as one infraction, and not two. 

          (i) Double minors for roughing, slashing, and other intended offenses will be counted as two infractions, and not just one

 RULE 403 - MAJOR PENALTIES

 (a) Depending upon the length of periods and whether playing time is by stopped or running clock, major penalties may be either 5 or 7 minutes in length. However, whichever time is used, it should be consistent. For purposes of the following rule definitions, 5 minutes shall be used.

 (b) For a major penalty, the offender shall be ruled off the floor for 5 minutes, during which time no substitute shall be permitted.

 (c) When coincidental penalties of equal duration including a major penalty are imposed upon a player of each team, the penalized players shall take their places on the penalty bench and such players shall not leave the penalty bench until the first stoppage of play following the expiration of their respective penalties. Immediate substitution shall be made for the players so penalized and their penalties shall not be taken into account for the purpose of the delayed penalty.

 (d) When coincidental penalties of unequal duration, including a major penalty, are imposed upon a player of each team, the penalized players shall take their places on the penalty bench and such players shall not leave the penalty bench until the first stoppage of play following the expiration of their respective penalties.

A player on the team of the penalized player shall serve the penalties, which created the disparity in total penalty time between the players penalized, first in the normal way.  Account shall be taken of the penalties, which create the disparity in the total penalty time awarded to the players affected for the purpose of the delayed penalty.

 (e) When a major penalty and a minor penalty are imposed upon players of different teams during the same stoppage of play and the major penalty cannot be served in its entirety (during the last five (5) minutes of the second period or at any time during overtime), the difference in penalty time will begin immediately, being served as a major penalty by a player of the offending team, and the penalized players will return to play at the first whistle after the expiration of their respective penalties.

 RULE 404 - MISCONDUCT PENALTIES

 (a) "Misconduct Penalties" to all players except the goaltender, involve removal from the game for a period of ten minutes each. A second such infraction in the same game by a goaltender will result in removal for a period of ten minutes.   A substitute player is permitted to immediately replace a player serving a misconduct penalty. A player whose misconduct penalty has expired shall remain in the penalty box until the next stoppage of play. A misconduct penalty assessed to a goaltender must be served by a player on the goaltender’s team that was on the floor at the time of the infraction.  NOTE: Should any player incur a misconduct penalty after the buzzer has sounded, ending the game, that penalty shall carry an automatic one game suspension.

 (b) When a player receives a minor penalty and a misconduct penalty at the same time, the penalized team shall immediately put a substitute player on the bench and he shall serve the minor penalty without charge.  The misconduct penalty will not start until the minor penalty has been served in its entirety.

 (c) A “Game Ejection Penalty” involves the suspension of a player for the balance of the game. Such player will also be subject to further sanctions by Inline Hockey Center League Directors if they deem it necessary. Any infraction that takes place in the last 5 minutes of the 3rd period or at any time during the overtime or shootout that would normally call for a game ejection will automatically carry a game suspension, and that player may be subject to further sanctions by Inline Hockey Center League Directors.

 (d) A "Game Misconduct Penalty" involves the suspension of a player for a minimum of the balance of the current game and the next game. The suspended player shall be reported to the Inline Hockey Center League Directors who shall have full power to impose such further penalty as they may deem fitting.

 (e) When a player receives a major penalty and a misconduct, game ejection, or game misconduct penalty at the same time, the penalized team shall place a substitute player on the penalty bench to serve the major penalty, and no replacement for the penalized player shall be permitted to enter the game except from the penalty bench. Any violation of this provision shall be treated as an illegal substitution under Rule 205 (a), calling for a bench minor penalty.  NOTE: For all Game Ejection and Game Misconduct penalties regardless of when imposed, a total of 10 minutes shall be charged in the records against the offending player.  Also an incident report must be filled out and filed with an Inline Hockey Director.

 (f) A player or Team Official who is assessed a game misconduct penalty, may not be near the team bench, or in any way attempt to direct the play of the team. Any player assessed a game misconduct penalty may be barred from the rink for the duration of the tournament or game if the Referee or League Director deems it necessary.

 (g) A Gross Misconduct penalty involves the suspension of a player or Team Official for the balance of the game, but another player is permitted to replace a player so removed.

 (h) The Scorekeeper and Referees are required to report all gross misconduct penalties and the surrounding circumstances to Inline Hockey Center League Directors immediately following the tournament or game in a report.  Inline Hockey Center shall have full power to impose further sanctions. A player who has been assessed a gross misconduct penalty shall be suspended from participating in any additional tournaments or game, no matter what division until the case has been dealt with by Inline Hockey Center.   NOTE: For all Gross Misconduct penalties regardless of when imposed, a total of 10 minutes shall be charged in the records against the offending player.

 RULE 405 - MATCH PENALTIES

 (a) A Match penalty involves the suspension of a player for the balance of the game and the offending player shall be ordered to the dressing room immediately. The penalized team shall immediately place a non-penalized player, other than a goaltender, on the penalty bench to serve the five-minute time portion of the penalty and such player may not be changed.

 (b) The Scorekeeper and Referees are required to report all match penalties and the surrounding circumstances to Inline Hockey Center League Directors immediately following the tournament or game. Inline Hockey Center League Directors shall have full power to impose further penalties. A player who has been assessed a match penalty shall be suspended from participating in any additional tournaments or games, no matter what league until the case has been dealt with by Inline Hockey Center League Directors.

 (c) A player who is assessed a match penalty, may not be near the team bench, nor in any way attempt to direct the play of the team. Any player assessed a match penalty may be barred from the rink for the duration of the tournament.   NOTE: For all Match Penalties, regardless of when assessed, a total of 10 minutes shall be charged in the records against the offending player.

 (d) When coincident match penalties have been assessed or when any combination of coincident major and match penalties have been assessed to a player or players of both teams, rules 403 (c & d) covering major penalties shall be applicable with respect to player substitutions.

 (e) A match penalty shall disqualify that player for the remainder of the tournament or game.

 RULE 406 - PENALTY SHOT

 (a) Any infraction of the rules which calls for a "Penalty Shot" shall be taken as follows:

The Referee will name the player designated by him/her or selected by the team entitled to take the shot (as appropriate) and shall then place the puck on the center face-off spot. The player taking the shot will, on the whistle of the Referee, play the puck from there and shall attempt to score on the goaltender. The goaltender must stay in the crease until the player touches the puck. The player taking the shot must keep the puck in motion towards the opponent's goal line and once it is shot the play shall be considered complete. No goal can be scored on a rebound of any kind and any time the puck crosses the goal line the shot shall be considered complete.

 (b) The goaltender may attempt to stop the shot in any manner except by throwing his/her stick or any other object or by committing a foul, in which case a goal shall be awarded.  NOTE: See Rule 640 (a).

 (c) In cases where a penalty shot has been awarded under Rule 629 (g), (illegal entry into the game), under Rule 640 (a), (throwing stick), under Rule 645 (c), (fouling from behind), or Rule 610 (e), (deliberately displacing the goal post during the course of a breakaway), the Referee shall designate the player who has been fouled as the player who takes the penalty shot. In cases where a penalty shot has been awarded under Rule 614 (c), (falling on the puck in the crease), Rule 610 (e), (deliberately displacing the goal post), or Rule 617 (e), (picking up the puck from the crease area), the penalty shot shall be taken by a player selected of the non-offending team from the players on the floor at the time when the foul was committed. Such selection shall be reported to the Referee and cannot be changed.

If by reason of injury the player designated by the Referee to take the penalty shot is unable to do so within a reasonable time, a player selected by the Captain of the non-offending team from the players on the floor when the foul was committed may take the shot. Such selection shall be reported to the Referee and cannot be changed.

 (d) Should the player in respect to whom a penalty shot has been awarded himself commit a foul in connection with the same play or circumstances, either before or after the penalty has been awarded, be designated to take the shot, he/she shall first be permitted to do so before being sent to the penalty bench to serve the penalty, unless the penalty is a game ejection, game misconduct, gross misconduct, or a match penalty, in which case the shot shall be taken by a player who was on the floor at the time of the infraction, to be selected by the Captain or Coach of the non-offending team.

 (e) If at the time a penalty shot is awarded and the goaltender of the penalized team has been removed from the floor to substitute another player, the goaltender shall be permitted to return to the floor before the penalty shot is taken.

 (f) If a goal is scored from a penalty shot, the puck shall be faced at center floor in the usual way. If a goal is not scored the puck shall be faced at either of the end face-off spots in the zone in which the penalty shot has been tried. 

 (g) Should a goal be scored from a penalty shot, a further penalty to the offending player shall not be applied unless the offense for which the penalty shot was awarded was such as to incur a major or match penalty, in which case the penalty prescribed, for the particular offense, shall be imposed.

 (h) If the offense for which the penalty shot was awarded was such as would normally incur a minor penalty, then regardless of whether the penalty shot results in a goal or not, no further minor penalty shall be served.

 (i) If the foul upon which the penalty shot is based occurs during actual playing time, the penalty shot shall be awarded and taken immediately in the usual manner notwithstanding any delay occasioned by a slow whistle by the Referee to permit the play to be completed which delay results in the expiration of the regular playing time in any period.

 (j) All players, except the player taking penalty shot, must go to the player bench.

 (k) If an opposing player other than the goaltender interferes with a player taking a penalty shot, a goal will be automatically awarded whether or not a goal was made.

 (l) The time required for the taking of a penalty shot will not be included in the regular playing time of any overtime.

 RULE 407 - GOALTENDER PENALTIES

 (a) A goaltender shall not be sent to the penalty bench for an offense which incurs a minor penalty, but instead the minor penalty shall be served by a player to be designated by the coach or captain of the offending team through the playing captain that was on the floor at the time of the infraction, and such substitute shall not be changed.

 (b) Should a goaltender incur a 10-minute misconduct penalty, this penalty will be served by a teammate designated by the coach or captain that was on the floor at the time of the infraction.  Should a second 10-minute misconduct penalty be imposed, the goaltender will be forced to serve this penalty in its entirety.

 (c) Should a goaltender incur a major penalty or a game misconduct penalty, his/her place then will be taken by a member of his/her own team, or by a regular substitute goaltender who is available and such player will be allowed the goaltender's full equipment.

 (d) Should a goaltender incur a match penalty his/her place will then be taken by a member of his/her own team, or by a substitute goaltender who is available, and such player will be allowed the goaltender's equipment. No time period shall be allowed for this change. However, any additional penalties as specifically called for by the individual rules covering match penalties, will apply, and the offending team shall be penalized accordingly.  NOTE: All penalties imposed on a goaltender regardless of who serves the penalty or any substitution, shall be charged in the records against the goaltender.

 (e) If a goaltender participates in the play in any manner when he/she is beyond the center floor line (or where a line would divide the floor into two equal halves), a minor penalty shall be imposed on him/her.

 RULE 408 - DELAYED PENALTIES

 (a) If a third player of any team shall be penalized while two players of the same team are serving penalties, the penalty time of the third player shall not commence until the penalty time of one of the two players already penalized shall have elapsed. Nevertheless, the third player penalized must, at once, proceed to the penalty bench but may be replaced by a substitute until such time as the penalty time of the penalized player shall commence.

 (b) When any team shall have three players serving penalties at the same time and because of the delayed penalty rule, a substitute for the third offender is on the floor, the first of the three penalized players on the penalty bench may not return to the floor until play has been stopped. When play has been stopped, the player whose full penalty has expired may return to the play.

 (c) When the penalties of two players of the same team will expire at the same time, the Captain or Coach of that team will designate to the Referee which of such players will return to the floor first, and the Referee will instruct the Penalty Timekeeper accordingly.

 (d) When a major and a minor penalty are imposed at the same time on players of the same team, the Penalty Timekeeper will record the minor as being the first of such penalties.

NOTE: This also applies to the case where the penalties are imposed on different players of the same team.

 RULE 409 - CALLING OF PENALTIES

 (a) Should an infraction of the rules which would call for a minor, major or match penalty be committed by a player of the side in possession of the puck, the Referee shall immediately blow his/her whistle and assess the penalties to the appropriate players. The resulting face-off shall be made at the place where the puck was last played or at center floor so as not to disadvantage the non-offending team.

 (b) Should an infraction of the rules which calls for a minor, major, or match penalty be committed by a player of the team not in possession of the puck, the Referee shall signify the calling of a delayed penalty by raising his/her arm. The Referee will blow his/her whistle once the offending team gains possession and the penalty will be assessed to the offending player.

 (c) If the penalty to be imposed is a minor penalty, and a goal is scored on the play by the non-offending team, the minor penalty shall not be imposed, but major and match penalties shall be imposed in the normal manner regardless of whether a goal is scored or not. NOTE 1: The puck must have come into the possession and control of an opposing player or has been "frozen".  This does not mean a rebound off the goaltender, the goal or any accidental contact with the body or equipment of an opposing player, it means full possession.

 NOTE 2: If after the Referee has signaled a penalty but before the whistle has been blown, the puck shall enter the goal of the non-offending team as the direct result of the action of a player of that team, the goal shall be allowed and the penalty assessed in the normal matter.   NOTE 3: If when a team is "short-handed" by reason of one or more minor or bench minor penalties the Referee signals a further minor penalty against the "short-handed" team and a goal is scored by the non-offending side before the whistle is blown then the delayed penalty shall be served and the first of the minor penalties already being served shall automatically terminate.

 (c) Should the same offending player commit other fouls on the same play either before or after the Referee has blown his/her whistle, the offending player shall serve such penalties consecutively.

 (d) When using a running game clock or a stop game clock, the penalty time will always be the same as the game clock time. In the situation of a running game clock the penalty time will start when the Referee drops the puck to restart the game and continue to coincide with the game clock from that point on.

RULE 410 - SUPPLEMENTARY DISCIPLINE

 (a) In addition to the suspensions assessed under these rules, Inline Hockey Center League Directors may, at the conclusion of the game, at their discretion, investigate any incident that occurs in connection with any game and may assess additional suspensions for any offense committed before, during or after any game by a player or Team Official, whether or not such offense has been penalized by the Referee.

 (b) Suspensions assessed during an Inline Hockey Center tournaments or games must be served during that same tournament or season.  If the length of the suspension carries beyond that tournament or season, Inline Hockey Center shall be the sole authority in determining the eligibility of the individual(s).

 (c) Should a player receive a suspension in any other hockey organization (DRHA, U.S. Blades, Total Roller Hockey Etc.), such player may be subject to sanctions by Inline Hockey Center.  Inline Hockey Center League director’s reserves the right to refuse entry into any tournament or game to any player or team for any reason.

 SECTION V - OFFICIALS

 RULE 501 - APPOINTMENT OF OFFICIALS

(a) Referees are appointed by League Directors of the Inline Hockey Center. There should be two Referees on the floor at all times.

 RULE 502 - REFEREE

 (a) The Referees are the official representatives of Inline Hockey Center. They shall be in full control of players on and off the floor.

 (b) The Referee shall see that the teams are called to the floor at the appointed time for the commencement of each game, and at the start of each regulation and overtime period. The Referee shall remain on the floor at the conclusion of each period, and any overtime, until the players have proceeded to their benches or dressing room.

 (c) The Referee shall check the equipment used by any player when requested to do so by the Manager or Coach or Captain of either team.

 (d) The Referee shall assess all penalties as prescribed by the rules for the infractions thereof.

 (e) The Referee shall have the final decision on all goals, disputed or not. The Referee may consult with the Goal Judge, if one is present, before giving his/her final decision.

 (f) Before starting the game, the Referee shall see that the appointed Game  Scorekeeeper, Penalty Timekeeper, Official Scorer, and Goal Judges are in their respective places.

 (g) The Referee shall announce to the Official Scorer the duration of the penalties and the rule infractions involved, and also to whom the goals and assists are to be credited.

 (h) After each game, the Referee may check and sign the official game report and return it to the Official Scorer. 

 (i) If a Referee cannot appear for any game, the League Director shall appoint a Referee.

 (f)) If the regularly scheduled appointed Officials appear during the progress of the game they may replace the temporary Officials at the next break in the game.

 (k) All Referees shall be dressed in black pants and a long sleeved black and white striped shirt or attire approved by Inline Hockey Center.

 (l) Referees are required to report on the official game report all game misconduct, gross misconduct and match penalties immediately following the tournament, to Inline Hockey Center League Directors.

 RULE 503 - GOAL JUDGES

 (a) The use of Goal Judges is optional in all Inline Hockey Center games.

 (b) There shall be one Goal Judge behind each goal. They shall not be members of either competing team nor shall they be replaced during the progress of the game, unless the Referees feel that he/she is biased in some way, in which case, he/she will be replaced immediately.

 (c) Each Goal Judge must be stationed in the designated area behind the goal for the duration of the game and shall not change ends at any time after the game begins. Their jurisdiction is limited to that game only.

 (d) In the event of a goal being claimed, the Goal Judge of that goal shall decide whether or not the puck has passed between the goal posts and entirely over the goal line. His/her decision will simply be goal or no goal.   NOTE: Refer to Rule 502 (e).

 (e) The use of Goal Judges and their positioning will be at the discretion of the League Director.

 RULE 504 - PENALTY TIMEKEEPER (SCOREKEEPER)

 (a) The Penalty Timekeeper shall keep the time served by each penalized player during the game and upon request inform the penalized player of the unfinished time of his/her penalty.

 (b) If a player leaves the penalty bench before his/her time has expired the Penalty Timekeeper shall note the time and signal the Referee who will stop the play as soon as possible.

 (c) Where public address systems are used, the Penalty Timekeeper shall announce or have announced the name of each penalized player the nature of the offense and the penalty assessed.

 RULE 505 - OFFICIAL SCORER (SCOREKEEPER)

 (a) The Official Scorer shall enter into the official game report a correct record of the game actions, who scored, and to whom credit is given for assists, if any. He/she shall also keep a correct record of all penalties assessed, stating the names and numbers of the penalized players, the duration of each penalty, the infraction, and the time the penalty was assessed.

 (b) At the completion of each game the Official Scorer may sign the official game report him/herself and have the Referees sign it. He/she shall then forward the game report to the offices of Inline Hockey Center League Directors.

(c) Scorekeepers are required to report on the official game report all game misconduct, gross misconduct and match penalties immediately following the tournament, to Inline Hockey Center League Directors.

 RULE 506 - GAME TIMEKEEPER (SCOREKEEPER)

 (a) The Game Timekeeper shall record the time of the starting and finishing of each game, and all actual playing time during the game.

 (b) The Game Timekeeper shall signal the Referee for the commencement of the game, the start of each period, and for each overtime period.

 (c) If the rink is not equipped with an automatic buzzer or if this equipment should fail to operate, the Game Timekeeper shall, by means of a whistle, signal the end of each period, each overtime period, and the end of the game.

 (d) The Game Timekeeper will record all times in minutes and seconds.

 SECTION VI - PLAYING RULES

 RULE 601 - ABUSE OF OFFICIALS AND OTHER MISCONDUCT

 (a) Any player who challenges or disputes the ruling of an Official, uses abusive language towards an Official, attempts to incite an opponent or create a disturbance during the game shall be assessed a minor penalty for un-sportsmanlike conduct. If the player persists in such conduct, a misconduct penalty shall be assessed and any further persistence by the same player shall result in the assessment of a game misconduct penalty.  In the case of a coach or other team official, a bench minor penalty shall be assessed first and if such conduct continues, a game misconduct penalty shall be assessed.

 (b) Any player who shoots the puck after the whistle shall be assessed a minor penalty, if in the opinion of the Referee; the player had sufficient time after the whistle to refrain from taking the shot.

 (c) If any player does any of the following, the team shall be assessed a Bench Minor penalty:

1. After being penalized, does not proceed directly to the penalty bench or dressing room when ordered to do so by the Referee. Equipment shall be delivered to the penalty bench or dressing room by a teammate.

2. Throws anything onto the playing surface from the players’ bench or penalty bench.

3. Interferes with any Game Official, (non-physically) in the performance of their duties.

4. When an altercation occurs, if not involved, does not proceed immediately to the players’ bench, or, in the event that the altercation takes place at the players’ bench, does not proceed to his/her team’s defensive zone.

 (d) If any player does any of the following, the player shall be assessed a Misconduct penalty:

1. Uses obscene, profane or abusive language to any person before, during or after a game.

2. During a stoppage of play, intentionally shoots or throws the puck out of the reach of an Official who is retrieving it.

3. Enters and remains in the Referee’s Crease, when asked to leave, except for the purpose of skating to the penalty bench.

4. Touches or holds any Game Official with the hand or stick.

5. Intentionally bangs the boards, protective glass or goal with a stick at any time.

6. Shows disrespect to an Official by means of language or gestures.

 (e) If any player does any of the following, a Game Misconduct penalty shall be assessed:

1. Persists in any course of conduct for which the player has previously been assessed a misconduct penalty.

2. Uses obscene gestures or racial / ethnic slurs anywhere in the rink before, during or after the game may result in a 1-3 game suspension. 

 (f) If any player does any of the following, a Gross Misconduct penalty shall be assessed:

1. Deliberately inflicts or attempts to inflict physical harm to a Game Official or a Team Official in any manner.

2. Behaves in any manner in which is critically detrimental to the conduct of the game including, but not limited to, spitting at an opponent, Game Official or Team Official.

 (g) If any Team Official does any of the following, a Bench Minor penalty shall be assessed:

1.